Visitation
Service
William Samuel “Sam” Depew, 79, of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Born in Burke County, NC on December 16, 1946, he was the son of the late Samuel Sylvester Depew and Eddie Lois Houck Depew.
Sam was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church and was a Master Mason with Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. He worked at Broughton Hospital as a social worker, then retired from J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center as area director. Sam loved his dogs, Shilo and Sully. He also enjoyed farming, horses, hunting, and was a professional bowler.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Clay Depew; daughter, Diana Depew; grandson, Gordon Depew; and cousin, Susan Houck.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Hyatt; and his faithful, loyal canine companions, Shilo and Sully.
The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Adam Love officiating. Masonic rites will be performed by Catawba Masonic Lodge #217.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Masonic Lodge #217 or to Burke County Friends for Animals.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for William Samuel “Sam” Depew.
I have many precious memories of my Uncle Sam and am sad I was unable to attend his services. I hope he is at peace now and the remaining family members have wonderful memories to cherish. Love you, Uncle Sam!
I’m so sorry I missed the funeral. Sam was a supervisor of mine for a home and an area when I worked at Western Carolina Center which later became the Riddle Center. He worked well with every level of employee and was effective. Once we demonstrated (with Delores Mack) how useful it was to have scheduled activities between breakfast and leaving for work every week day to cut down on problems behaviors that sometimes occurred at that time. It was rare to have managers who wanted to be effective and document how others could do it too. I remember Sam as a calming and secure force in environments that could sometimes be active and challenging.
Sam, going to miss our conversations about things; including work, farming, animals, politics and a little gossip. Wishing now there had been more of them. Our days at JIRDC were great. Wishing blessings to your family as we say farewell.
Sam was a friend and I always enjoyed talking with him. My condolences to all his family.
Sam you were a good friend and an awesome boss. You always had my back at work even though sometimes we butted heads. You will be missed.
Sam U Were A Boss & A Freind Like No Other I Remember The Days U Wld Come Around W/A Smile Or Always With Some Type Of Encouragement My Freind U Will B Miss Now & Always!!
Thinking of you at this time. May God give you peace. We will see our loved ones again for eternity. Love, peace and joy to all of you. God bless.
I want to offer my condolences to all of you at this time. I worked with Sam at J. Iverson Riddle Center when we both worked in Poplar Cottage. Sam had a wonderful personality and did a great job in his role as well. I know each of you will miss him but try to focus on the good memories. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace now and in the days to come. Rama Jean Franklin